Aug 5, 2022

Inman events are the best way to connect. Gain insights and build your network this October at the virtual  Inman Connect  where we’ll explore the  Industry’s Playbook for the Fall Market . Then, join us in January for  Inman Connect New York , in person or virtually. Reserve your tickets now, prices will go up! Divvy Homes co-founder and CEO Adena Hefets and the online real estate marketplace, data and analytics company CoStar Group, which made waves last year when it announced a search portal to rival Zillow in New York City, walked off with individual and company Inman “Innovators of the Year” awards for trailblazing work across the industry, it was announced Friday at Connect. Finalists for the coveted awards, which since 1998 have recognized companies, individuals and new technology shaping the real estate industry, were announced in July. Heavyweights such as David Doctorow of Realtor.com and Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez of Place and Anywhere and Pacaso in the “Company of the Year” category were among the contenders. Under Hefets, Divvy has excelled as a rent-to-own platform that empowers consumers to start building equity immediately once they start renting a property with Divvy. Meanwhile, CoStar Group, which founded the New York-based search portal Citysnap in 2022, has been recognized as pushing forward innovation and transparency in the industry through its online real estate marketplace and analytics. Real estate veteran Sherry Chris was also recognized for her work giving back to the real estate community with the Nate Ellis Award. Chris, who has served in the real estate industry for more than three decades, has held executive positions at both Better Homes and Gardens and Realogy. Although she was not able to attend the ceremony, she recognized her appreciation for the award to the Inman Connect Las Vegas crowd through a pre-recorded video. “When I think about Nate [Ellis], he had a gift for training and helping others and used that gift to uplift his colleagues in the real estate industry and beyond,” Chris said. “I’ve dedicated my career to giving back to the industry, to helping others be better, so this industry can be a better place.” Inman received nearly 600 nominations from the public for this year’s Innovator Awards, and made a careful evaluation of the individuals and companies who stood out in 2022. Here are this year’s winners. Innovator of the Year (individual or individuals) Adena Hefets, Divvy Homes Company of the Year